Directed by Jessica Hausner
Written by Géraldine Bajard and Jessica Hausner
Starring Emily Beecham, Ben Whishaw, Kerry Fox and Kit Connor
Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes

by Audrey Callerstrom

“Who can prove the genuineness of feelings? Moreover, who cares?”

Alice (Emily Beecham) is a plant breeder who has developed a bright red flower with pollen that emits oxytocin. The line above is spoken by a colleague of hers as they discuss the perceived effects of the plant on people’s mood. The plant needs to be loved, talked to, cared for and, in theory, it will love you back – after all, it’s a living thing. Alice’s measures to create such a plant, which ends up being named Little Joe, after her son, Joe (Kit Connor) are unorthodox and possibly illegal. But Little Joe needs to be ready in time for the Flower Fair, even though those exposed to Little Joe start to behave in a peculiar manner, starting first with Bello the dog and companion of fellow scientist Bella (Kerry Fox). Bello attacks his owner and, in response, Bella has Bello put to sleep. “That’s not my dog,” she says. Others report that Little Joe makes them feel happy, but evidence suggests otherwise.